Kazarma Fortress, Sitia

The Venetian fortress of Sitia, known as Kazarma (in Italian: “Casa di arma”, which translates into Greek as “the barracks of the guard”), was built during the 13th century on the site of a former Byzantine city that was once an Episcopal seat, most likely occupying the same area as the ancient city of Heteia or Sitaea on Crete. The earthquake of 1303 caused severe damages to the fortress and its tower, which could not be reinforced with later repairs. A new grand-scale catastrophic blow came with the earthquake of 1508, while in 1538, the incursion of Barbarossa’s pirates caused even more damage. In 1963 it was designated as a historic listed monument. In 1966, the initial restoration efforts for the fortress began, focusing on solidification works. After 1970 the sheds were removed. Today it is a guarded monument that can be visited by the public. In the summer months it also serves as a venue for various events.